Paris-Strasbourg Railway Opens First Section

On June 29, 1846, the Paris-Strasbourg Railway inaugurated its first operational section between Paris and Meaux, marking a key step in France's early railway expansion under the July Monarchy. Engineered with wrought-iron rails and powered by early steam locomotives like the Buddicom 2-2-2 types, this 40-kilometer stretch overcame challenges of river crossings and terrain. Key figures included engineer Alphonse de Caux. It facilitated faster mail and passenger travel, boosting economic ties between the capital and eastern regions, and set precedents for the national network later consolidated by the Chemins de fer de l'Est.